Energy Management

Cup anemometers can generate inaccurate wind-speed values in gusty periods, and should one freeze, its turbine may have to shut down. One solution is an ultrasonic anemometer, like the Ventus UMB 8371 with a 240W heater. This unit provides precise and maintenance-free measurements of wind velocity and direction.  
      Ventus belongs to Lufft's WS family of professional intelligent sensors (in Booth 106) with digital and analog interfaces. This wind sensor has no mechanical parts as are used with traditional “cups and vanes”. The digital or analog output delivers instantaneous, average, min or max value with flexible measuring rate. The heated Ventus makes it well suited for cold climates. Outputs are available for the NMEA data, ASCII UMB, and binary UMB protocols, along with 4 to 20 mA analog, and soon, SDI12 protocol.

The Current Transmission business unit at Schunk Graphite Technology, Booth 10342, produces flexible power connections and holders for manufacturers of wind turbine electrical equipment and transformer substations. Among that equipment are brush yokes and carbon brushes, their holders, flexible current connections, brush rockers, and more.   

Carbon brushes have a high percent of metal to provide near perfect current transmission, even under the toughest operating conditions. Different models of brush holders and rockers are available along with the capability for custom made and specialized products. Lastly, all brush rocker components are manufactured in accordance with specific assembly templates. This ensures an exact fit of brush to collector.

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Greentech Media

Will California Put Its Wind Farms in Mexico? Greentech Media Solar projects can use APA's planned privately developed wind generator-tie lines," explained Folloni. Although the lingering recession has blown away some ... and more »

The Tennessee Regulatory Authority (TRA) has approved a new rate design for Chattanooga Gas, a subsidiary of AGL Resources, and provided for an increase in base rates that will enable the utility to introduce an energySmart program intended to help the customers reduce their natural gas usage and energy cost.

Lime Energy, a provider of energy efficiency services, has won a contract to implement direct install component of New Jersey's Clean Energy Program.

IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, and Techcombank, also referred to as Vietnam Technological & Commercial Bank, have entered into an agreement to help the bank develop its energy efficiency lending facility for local small and medium enterprises.

Nstar, a Massachusetts-based investor-owned electric and gas utility, and MIT are collaborating to launch an energy efficiency project called 'MIT Efficiency Forward', which has set a goal of cutting electricity use by 15% over three years through different programs, student, faculty, and staff engagement, and the piloting of new technologies and approaches at MIT.

Linamar Corporation, in Booth 11449, and German-based NCB Lohmann GmbH say they have formed a strategic alliance to pursue wind turbine components for clients in North America. Linamar, a manufacturer of precision components, will provide manufacturing infrastructure and machining capabilities to Lohmann customers and others wishing to expand or establish their manufacturing reach to North America. Together with Lohmann, a leading manufacturer of wind turbine components in Europe, the companies can work to build and maintain market share as a leader of precision machined turbine components in the region, while providing high-quality, manufacturing solutions that meet specific customer needs.

“We’re pleased to partner with NCB Lohmann on this exciting initiative,” say Linamar CEO Linda Hasenfratz. “Our advanced machining capabilities, coupled with our global manufacturing expertise complement Lohmann’s experience in the wind industry,” she said.

Linamar will manufacture wind turbine components, which include gearbox housings, planetary carriers, bearing housings and torque arms for large turbines at its Guelph manufacturing facility. The company is investing in facilities, equipment and manpower to accommodate future production. Full-scale component production is targeted to begin later this year.

Magnetek’s E-FORCE Wind Inverter, on display in Booth 15707, maximizes the full potential of wind turbines operating with permanent-magnet generators. The modular platform can be customized for 500 kW to 5 MW applications. E-FORCE Wind offers peak efficiencies of over 97% when operating at full power, and comes in air and liquid-cooled models.

“We’re looking forward to presenting our field-proven, utility-scale inverters to this rapidly developing and expanding market. Visitors can discover why Magnetek offers the ideal inverter solutions for large wind applications. The Magnetek team will be on hand to showcase the E-FORCE and answer questions,” said Brad Taylor, VP of Magnetek’s energy systems group.